Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ? 1. Belarus 2. Poland 3. Germany 4. Switzerland Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) 2 and 4 only

Why the answer is (c)

• The European Union currently has 27 member states after the United Kingdom's exit in 2020.

• Poland joined in the 2004 enlargement and Germany is a founding member (as West Germany, 1957), so both are EU members.

• Belarus is not a member; it is closely aligned with Russia and is under EU sanctions.

• Switzerland is not a member either; it rejected membership and deals with the EU through bilateral treaties, though it is in the Schengen area.

• Hence 2 and 3, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1, 2 and 4: Belarus and Switzerland are not EU members.
(b) 1 and 4 only: Neither Belarus nor Switzerland is an EU member.
(d) 2 and 4 only: Switzerland is not an EU member; Germany is.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.